Here When you are ready · Currently accepting new clients
Generalized Anxiety Disorder
When worry becomes a way of life.
What is Generalized Anxiety Disorder?
Generalized Anxiety Disorder is characterised by persistent, excessive worry about a wide range of everyday situations — work, health, relationships, finances, the future — that is difficult to control and disproportionate to the actual likelihood or impact of the feared outcomes. Unlike situational anxiety which is a normal response to specific stressors, GAD is chronic and pervasive, affecting how you think, feel and function on a daily basis.
People with GAD often describe feeling like their mind never switches off — constantly anticipating problems, preparing for worst case scenarios and unable to relax even when circumstances are objectively fine. The worry feels uncontrollable and exhausting, and is frequently accompanied by physical symptoms that can be mistaken for medical conditions.
GAD is one of the most common anxiety disorders — and one of the most treatable. At Karasick Psychology we provide evidence-based assessment and treatment tailored to your specific presentation and circumstances.
Does this sound familiar?
Psychological
▪ Persistent, excessive worry about multiple areas of life
▪ Difficulty controlling or stopping the worry
▪ Anticipating the worst even when things are going well
▪ Difficulty concentrating — mind going blank or racing
▪ Irritability and feeling on edge
▪ Feeling like something bad is always about to happen
Physiological
▪ Muscle tension, headaches or body aches
▪ Fatigue and exhaustion despite adequate sleep
▪ Sleep difficulties — trouble falling or staying asleep
▪ Gastrointestinal symptoms — nausea, stomach upset
▪ Restlessness or feeling keyed up
▪ Sweating, trembling or shortness of breath
GAD and other conditions
GAD frequently occurs alongside other conditions including depression, other anxiety disorders, ADHD and chronic pain. When anxiety is part of a more complex clinical picture treatment is tailored to address all contributing factors — not just the anxiety in isolation. A thorough assessment at the outset ensures treatment is targeted and effective.
GAD is one of several anxiety disorders — each with distinct features and treatment approaches. If you are unsure which anxiety disorder you may be experiencing a thorough clinical assessment will provide clarity.
Treatment
Evidence-based support for lasting relief from anxiety.
GAD is highly responsive to Cognitive Behavioural Therapy — the gold standard treatment for anxiety disorders. At Karasick Psychology treatment focuses on understanding the thought patterns and beliefs that fuel worry, developing effective strategies to interrupt and redirect anxious thinking and building tolerance for uncertainty — which is at the core of most anxiety.
Biofeedback is integrated to address the physiological dimension of anxiety — helping you recognize and regulate your body’s stress response in real time. This builds the nervous system resilience that underpins lasting anxiety reduction and gives you practical, evidence-based tools to manage anxiety outside of sessions.
Treatment begins with a thorough assessment of your anxiety — its triggers, patterns, history and impact. From there therapy is collaborative and goal-oriented, with clear strategies and regular review of progress. Most clients experience meaningful improvement in anxiety symptoms within 8-16 sessions.
CONTACT INFO
- 403 633-6545
- admin@karasick.ca
- Book Online
-
Monday - Thursday: 8am - 7pm
Friday: 8am - 1pm - Special times available upon request
Reaching out for therapy is hard, but struggling alone is harder. Contact us to learn how we can support your path toward healing, development, and lasting improvement.
